Team: 2019-20 Custom Team

Initial Creation Date: Aug. 2, 2019

Published: Aug. 2, 2019

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Here are my predictions for the Metropolitan Division this season. *Wildcard

Okay before the haters say their piece, this will be a very competitive division and if this list was upside down it could still make sense. All 8 teams have a shot at making the playoffs. Washington is a beast in the regular season with no signs of slowing down. Expect big years out of Backstrom and Holtby who are pending free agents. Pittsburgh has a bit of a different look this year but will find a way to succeed as they always do. New Jersey was the loudest team this off season and will get back to the playoffs with a full healthy season of Hall. Columbus lost 2 key pieces in Bobrovski and Panarin who were with them all season, but they also have a strong core and added Nyquist which will keep them competitive. I don't have them in a wildcard spot though. Carolina had an incredible season and their biggest challenge will be trying to repeat it with new expectations. The Rangers might have had the fastest rebuild of all time. There are some variables with how the young guys do and in net, but I have them 6th for now. Philadelphia is always the hardest team to predict. They can either be really good or really bad. Hopefully they can get some stability in net with Carter Hart and we'll go from there. Finally, the Islanders are the last team to mention. Wihtout Robin Lehner it might be difficult to repeat that very surprising season and this division is too strong to justify them being higher. Don't count out Barry Trotz though, if this team finished top 3 in the division I wouldn't even be surprised.

1. Washington Capitals
2. Pittsburgh Penguins
3. New Jersey Devils
4. Columbus Blue Jackets
5. Carolina Hurricanes
6. New York Rangers
7. Philadelphia Flyers
8. New York Islanders